Mumbai, Oct 18: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) today said that the civic administration is unequivocally committed to the full and effective compliance of high court order regarding demolition of the illegal religious structures/shrines on the footpaths. Considering the sensitive nature of the issue, the administration has taken into account the perceptions of the state government, police and the group leaders of BMC regarding the modalities of implementing the court order, a BMC release said here today.

BMC began its demolition drive against illegal shrines in the Metropolis yesterday.

The civic body has also given individual notices to the structure owners calling upon them to submit documents by October 20 or 21.

Following a PIL filed by Janhit Manch and its president Bhagwanji Raiyani, challenging the "mushrooming of illegal shrines", the Mumbai HC had directed BMC on September 24 to take action and file report on action taken within two months.

The PIL was deferred to November 12 to enable BMC to file the action taken report.

The PIL said illegal shrines had come up all over the city ostensibly to protect unauthorised slums.
Bureau Report